La Bella Cucina Naples™

Naples Cooking Classes & Culinary Tour ~ 4 Day

Join Executive Chef Salvatore in our Naples cooking classes for an incredible hands-on cooking experience in the city where great food is simply a way of life. Your five-star hotel overlooking the waterfront of Naples is the perfect location offering complete safety and peace of mind so you can enjoy the best the city has to offer.

Just two hours south of Rome, Naples sits magnificently on the northeastern coast of the Baia di Napoli, which is one of the most beautiful bays in all of Italy and the most important harbor in Southern Italy. Naples, listed as a UNESCO world heritage site, is wonderfully full of history and rich with beautiful artistry and treasures. The ancient city’s narrow, winding streets lend great character and life. In matters of food, Naples is the homeland of pizza, and thus pizza is of great importance and taken very seriously. Seafood is in great abundance in Naples and prepared delicately and deliciously, infused with the passion and liveliness of the people.

Neapolitan cuisine is the epitome of the Mediterranean diet and Chef Salvatore & his team lead you for a marvelous cooking adventure in Naples.

Cooking Classes

Executive Chef Salvatore leads you in hands-on cooking classes in his award-winning kitchen. This young & dynamic chef trained in some of the top kitchens in Italy and returned to his hometown of Naples to head up the kitchen at the beginning of 2012. Chef Salvatore starts with only the highest quality raw materials, carefully prepares each ingredient to preserve its taste and nutritional value, and presents each dish with elegance. As the saying goes in Italy, ‘anche l’occhio vuole la sua parte,’ meaning the eye wants its part, too!

Courses are held each morning in the Hotel’s professional kitchen and include the preparation of an appetizer, first course (such as pasta or risotto), second course (meat, fish or vegetarian) and dessert. Work alongside Chef Salvatore to prepare simple and fabulous bruschetta with cherry tomatoes grown on the slopes of Vesuvius, or red shrimp marinated in Amalfi Coast lemons & Sorrento oranges. Whip up a parmigiana di melanzane, eggplant parmesan, fresh pasta with Octopus-ragù, or a Risotto with smoked-provola fondue and aroma of liquirizia. For your main course, learn the Chef’s secret for maialino con crema di carote e birra, beer-bathed pork fillet with carrot cream, grilled tuna with pastinaca, parsnips, aged soy, pumpkin and lemon, or triglie, red mullet with burnt tomato & herb cream. End on a sweet note with a traditional babà napoletano, rum-soaked cake, or a fresh Ricotta & pear torte. Menus vary to use the best fresh ingredients of the season.

After class, lunch follows on the foods prepared in class with a glass of local wine and water included. As you raise your glasses to toast the fruits of your labor, our sommelier explains the choice of local wine to pair with the foods you have prepared.

Classes are limited to small groups of a minimum of two up to a maximum of six guests to ensure individual attention and a fully hands-on experience for each guest. Cooking classes are 3 hours and start at 9:30 am

Naples

Lying in the shadow of Mount Vesuvius is the vibrant, animated city of Naples. About Naples, author Herbert Kubly once said, “Built like a great amphitheater around her beautiful bay, Naples is an eternally unfolding play acted by a million of the best actors in the world. The comedy is broad and the tragedy violent. The curtain never rings down.”

The chaotic streets of Naples serve as the main transportation hub of Southern Italy, boasting an amazing subway system, several major train and bus lines, the Aeroporto Capodichino, ferries, trams, funiculars, and two special lines-the Circumvesuviana which brings you to the ruins of Pompeii and Herculaneum and the town of Sorrento, and the Circumflegrea and Cumana which take you to Pozzuoli, Baia, and Cumae. Ferries and hydrofoils connect Naples with the nearby islands of Capri, Ischia and Procida – each a wonderful daytrip.

Spaccanapoli embodies the spirit of Neapolitan life like nothing else. Teeming with people, this arrow-straight road cuts through Naples from East to West along the main artery settlements of the ancient Greeks and Romans. The Spaccanapoli branches off into a string of narrow, winding roads each bearing names of significance and their own special air and charm. A wonderful place to wander around and mingle with Naples.

Naples is a city of juxtaposition. A marriage of old and new, high tech urban feels in some parts and ancient old world in others. The people are boisterous and lively, and live in the moment, and life in Naples is enacted fully to every extreme. When traveling to Naples, be sure to pack a good sense of humor.

Accomodations

Your host hotel, a 5-star luxury boutique hotel overlooking the waterfront of Naples, is an oasis of calm in the heart of the bustling city. Rated by Conde Nast as one of the best new hotels in the world, at your fingertips are world-class dining, a luxury spa, event and meeting spaces and even an Italian sushi bar. In summer months, the rooftop pool is the perfect spot for an afternoon dip or a sip of local chilled Vesuvio Rosé wine.

Warm colors, sophisticated elegance and modern design are combined to create a relaxing ambiance in each guest room. Each room is equipped with private marble and slate bathroom, hairdryer, air conditioning, minibar, safe, TV, Nespresso coffee machine and free WI-FI internet connection.

Each morning a breakfast buffet is served with foods that satisfy any international palate and to watch the sun climb in the sky from the rooftop breakfast room is simply divine.

Itinerary: 4 Days, 3 Nights

Day 1: Arrival & Chef’s Tasting Dinner

In the early evening, head up to the panoramic bar for your Welcome Aperitivo overlooking the Bay of Naples.

Then, settle in for an introduction to Neapolitan cooking with a Chef’s Tasting Dinner highlighting the fresh, local foods. Local wine and water included.

Day 2: Hands-On Cooking Class

Breakfast is served.

Head into the kitchen for your hands-on Cooking Class featuring traditional Neapolitan foods with Chef Salvatore’s modern touch, including fresh pasta kneaded, rolled and sliced into all different shapes, fresh traditional sauces, meat, fish or vegetarian main courses and fabulous desserts. Menus vary by season to use the best fresh ingredients and can be tailored to accommodate food allergies and diet needs. Lunch follows on the foods prepared in class, with a glass of local wine paired by the sommelier included. Additional wine & beverages at a surcharge.

Day 3: Tour Naples & Suggested Pizza Lunch

Breakfast is served.

Your guide meets you at your hotel to set out on a 5-hour walking tour of the heart of Naples. Visit the Galleria Umberto with it’s immense vaulted-glass ceiling, the Piazza Plebiscito, this vast piazza was inspired by Saint Peter’s in Rome. We suggest a stop at the Neapolitan landmark café for a pastry and cappuccino or a short and steaming Neapolitan espresso served in delicate hand-painted china. Continue to the shops of the café lined Via Toledo visit the famous San Gregorio Armeno also known as the Via dei Presepi, street of the nativities. This ancient quarter of this ancient city is filled with botteghe and bancarelle, with the most intricate, beautiful characters and full nativity scenes.

Wind the alleyways with your guide to feel safe as you enjoy the vibrant feeling of frenetic downtown Naples.

We suggest a pizza lunch at Naples’s most famous pizzeria to end your tour. One bite and you’ll be hoping your pizza never ends.

Afternoon free & dinner on your own.

Day 4: Departure

Breakfast is served.

Departure and Arrivederci Napoli!

Note: This sample itinerary schedule may vary due to inclement weather, saints days; festivals. All activities, in the event of rescheduling, are always included during the week.

Program includes:

4 days, 3 nights accommodations in Five Star Hotel in the center of Naples in Deluxe Double room, based on double occupancy. Click to view!

Daily breakfast.

Welcome Aperitivo at the hotel.

Chef’s Tasting Dinner on your first evening. Beverages are not included.

1 hands-on Cooking Class followed by lunch or dinner on the foods prepared in class. A glass of local wine included, additional wine & beverages at a surcharge.

Walking Tour of Naples with your private guide.

* Wi-Fi internet connection available.

*Round trip transfers upon arrival and departure from Naples Airport or Train Station can be added on to your program at the additional fee.

Program Prices

Low Season: $1,495 per person, based on 4 People.High Season: $1,695 per person, based on 4 People.Please call for single pricing.

*Deluxe Sea Side Rooms: Upgrade to a Deluxe Sea Side Room, starting at $100 per person per program, based on double occupancy. The Deluxe Sea Side Rooms offer views over the harbor and the Gulf of Naples.

Low Season: January 7 to March 25, November 3 t0 7, November 12 to December 22.
High Season: January 1 to 6, March 26 to November 2, December 8 to 11 and December 23 to 31.

*An Italian visitor tax may apply in some cities and must be paid directly on site at check out.

Add On:

An Extra Night and Excursion to Pompeii & Mount Vesuvius

Add on an extra night to your program and spend the day exploring the ruins of Pompeii & Mount Vesuvius. In the morning, our driver will pick you up at the hotel and whisk you off to visit the famous seat of this ancient Roman civilization near Naples whose ruins date back to 79AD. Discover and explore the ancient city that was covered by the eruption of Vesuvius, and unravel the ancient mystery of the Roman Empire. Visit Pompeii’s open-air museum and explore the labyrinth of paths that lead you through the ruins of the buried city. Take time out for a panino in the café near the forum. Then head up to Mount Vesuvius to walk the pathway that leads to the top of the crater. Our professional guide is available for the Pompeii and/or Vesuvius tour (extra cost).

Program includes:

5 days, 4 nights accommodations in Five Star Hotel in the center of Naples in Deluxe Double room, based on double occupancy. Click to view!

Daily breakfast.

Welcome Aperitivo at the hotel.

Chef’s Tasting Dinner on your first evening. Beverages are not included.

1 hands-on Cooking Class followed by lunch or dinner on the foods prepared in class. A glass of local wine included, additional wine & beverages at a surcharge.

Walking Tour of Naples with your private guide.

Full Day Excursion to Pompeii and Vesuvius with private driver.

* Wi-Fi internet connection available.

*Round trip transfers upon arrival and departure from Naples Airport or Train Station can be added on to your program at the additional fee.

Program Prices

Low Season: $1,995 per person, based on 4 people.High Season: $2,195 per person, based on 4 people.Please call for single pricing.

*Deluxe Sea Side Rooms: Upgrade to a Deluxe Sea Side Room, starting at $100 per person per program, based on double occupancy. The Deluxe Sea Side Rooms offer views over the harbor and the Gulf of Naples.

Low Season: January 7 to March 25, November 3 t0 7, November 12 to December 22.
High Season: January 1 to 6, March 26 to November 2, December 8 to 11 and December 23 to 31.

2019 Dates: This program is available throughout the year. You can check in and start your cooking program any day of the week, as this program is offered 12 months per year. Rates are subject to change based on currency exchange. Call for updated rates. Airfare not included. Group transfers for any cooking tour or tours that include transfers, are for the group and are not private. Transfers before, after or to another destination outside of your cooking tour are not included in the program price. If you would like to add on a private transfer or transfers, let us know and we will send you pricing.

Add-On Tours:

Additional Excursions and Cooking Classes can be added on to your program at an extra cost. We are always at your service to answer questions, and add-on extra cooking classes and tours.

Excursion To Pompeii & Mount Vesuvius

Spend the day exploring the ruins of Pompeii & Mount Vesuvius. Visit the famous seat of this ancient Roman civilization near Naples whose ruins date back to 79AD. Discover and explore the ancient city that was covered by the eruption of Vesuvius, and unravel the ancient mystery of the Roman Empire. Visit Pompeii’s open-air museum and explore the labyrinth of paths that lead you through the ruins of the buried city. Take time out for a panino in the café near the forum. Then head up to Mount Vesuvius to walk the pathway that leads to the top of the crater. Our professional guide is available for the tour or choose the excursion with driver only. Let us know if you would like to add on our private driver to Pompeii and or Mount Vesuvius from 1 to 8 guests in the touring van, the rate is 50E per hour for the group. A minimum of 5 hours for Pompeii is needed and if you would like to visit Mount Vesuvius please note you will need another 3 hours added on for the complete Pompeii and Mount Vesuvius tour.

Excursion To The Campi Flegrei

Depart for your morning with private English speaking guide to the historic Campi Flegrei, Phlegrean Fields meaning Fields of Fire, to the west of Naples. The towns of Pozzuoli, with its amphitheater that once held 40,000 spectators, Arco Felice, Bacoli, and Baia. Though now almost completely below the sea, Baia was once the seaside resort for Roman aristocracy, and it is said that Cleopatra was vacationing at Baia when Julius Caesar was murdered in 44 B.C. Continue to Capo Miseno and Lake D’Averno, where myth claims were the sites of the river Styx and the gates of hell and sulfur lingers in the air. Also visit Quarto, these towns lining one after another bring to mind a Cinque Terre–type picturesque postcard. These still active volcanic towns continue to burst with puddles of boiling mud and water. A minimum of 4 hours is needed to complete this tour. The rate is 50E per hour for the group for 1 to 8 guests in the touring van.